Neck Pain Care in Wentzville
Find out why your neck hurts, then get hands-on care the same visit.
Common causes
- Desk and phone posture Head forward over a screen
- Stiff joints It hurts to turn your head
- Stress and tension Tight neck and shoulders
- Disc herniation Can send pain to the shoulder blade, shoulder and arm
More about what causes neck pain
A stiff neck that won’t turn, headaches that start at the base of your skull, or an ache that builds through the workday. Neck pain wears on everything. At Back Pain Center Wentzville, we look at how your neck, upper back, and shoulders are working together, then use hands-on chiropractic care and targeted exercise to help you move comfortably again.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
- Desk and phone posture. Hours with your head forward over a screen load the joints and muscles of the neck and upper back.
- Joint stiffness. When the small joints of the neck stop moving well, turning your head becomes painful and nearby muscles tighten up to protect them.
- Muscle tension and stress. Stress often shows up as tight shoulders and neck muscles. Read can stress cause neck pain?
- Disc herniation. A herniated disc in the neck can irritate a nearby nerve and send pain to the shoulder blade, shoulder, and arm.
- Strain from activity. Overhead work, lifting, or a new workout routine.
For a deeper look, see what can cause neck pain and what neck pain can be a symptom of.
Often comes with neck pain
- Tension headaches Start at the base of the skull
- A pinched nerve Tingling or numbness down the arm
Neck pain and tension headaches
Many headaches start in the neck. Tension-type headaches and headaches coming from neck joints (often called cervicogenic headaches) tend to feel like a band or pressure starting at the base of the skull and wrapping toward the forehead or behind the eyes. They often come with neck stiffness and get worse with long periods of sitting.
When your exam shows the neck is driving your headaches, care aimed at the neck and upper back, plus posture and exercise changes, can help. Any sudden, severe “worst ever” headache needs emergency care, not a chiropractor.
Can a chiropractor help a pinched nerve in the neck?
Often, yes. A pinched nerve in the neck can cause pain, tingling, or numbness down the arm and into the hand. When the cause is mechanical, such as stiff joints or disc irritation, chiropractic care aims to reduce pressure and irritation around the nerve. We check reflexes, strength, and sensation in your arms at the exam, and we will refer you for further testing if anything suggests you need it.
How we help
Exam and treatment on day one, in about 45 minutes.
- Gentle adjustments Neck and upper back
- Soft-tissue work Tight neck and shoulders
- Strengthening Better support all day
- Massage or dry needling When knots are a big factor
How chiropractic care helps neck pain
- Gentle adjustments and mobilization of the neck and upper back to restore motion
- Manual therapy and myofascial release for tight neck and shoulder muscles
- Strengthening for deep neck and shoulder-blade muscles so your neck is better supported through the day
- Massage or dry needling when muscle knots are a major factor
Neck adjustments can be done in several ways, including very gentle techniques. We choose what fits you and your comfort. Learn more about chiropractic care.
Desk and phone tips
- Raise your screen so the top is at about eye level
- Bring your phone up toward eye level instead of dropping your head
- Keep your elbows close to your sides and your shoulders relaxed
- Set a timer to move every 30 minutes: roll your shoulders and gently tuck your chin
- Pick a pillow that keeps your neck level with your body when you sleep on your side
Questions
When should I get urgent medical care first?
When to get urgent medical care first
Seek emergency care for neck pain with a sudden severe headache, fever and a stiff neck, trouble speaking or seeing, weakness in the arms or legs, or pain after a major fall or other serious trauma.
Is it safe to have my neck adjusted?
For most people, yes. We screen carefully at the exam, explain what we recommend, and use gentle techniques when they are a better fit. You can always ask for a different approach.
Can a chiropractor help tension headaches?
When headaches come from neck and upper back tension or stiffness, chiropractic care and exercise can help. Your exam will tell us whether the neck is the likely source.
Why does my neck hurt when I wake up?
Sleep position and pillow height are common culprits, especially if your neck is already stiff. Small changes can make a big difference.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed. Call (636) 856-1260 or request an appointment online.